The Best Festivals for Emerging DJs: How to Get Booked and Break Into the Scene

Electronic music festivals aren’t just massive parties—they’re launchpads for emerging DJs. The right festival slot can transform an underground selector into a must-book act, turning small-stage appearances into major career moments. While massive events like Tomorrowland and Ultra book their headliners years in advance, plenty of festivals are dedicated to discovering the next wave of talent. 

For aspiring DJs, getting onto these festival lineups isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy. From building a buzz on social media to networking with promoters, breaking into the festival circuit requires both skill and a smart game plan.

The Best Festivals for Showcasing Emerging DJs

While every major festival has an underground stage, some festivals are built around pushing fresh talent to the forefront. These events prioritize discovery, giving up-and-coming DJs a real shot at making an impact.

ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) isn’t just a festival—it’s the epicenter of the electronic music industry. Taking place every October, ADE features both massive performances and intimate showcases, offering rising DJs the perfect space to make connections. Many smaller events within ADE specifically highlight emerging talent, making it a prime place to break through.

Sonar Festival (Barcelona, Spain) blends music, art, and technology, making it one of the most forward-thinking festivals in the world. Sonar’s “Off-Sonar” events are where up-and-coming DJs can get noticed, with countless underground showcases happening across the city.

Dimensions Festival (Croatia) is a haven for DJs looking to establish themselves in the underground house, techno, and bass scenes. With its intimate setting and focus on deep electronic cuts, it’s a place where selectors and crate-diggers can thrive.

Boiler Room (Global Pop-Ups & Takeovers) isn’t a festival in the traditional sense, but its live-streamed events have become some of the most influential showcases for rising DJs. Getting booked for a Boiler Room set—especially at a major festival—can propel a DJ’s career overnight.

Mutek (Montreal, Canada & Worldwide) is a festival focused on experimental electronic music and audiovisual performance. For DJs blending sound design with performance art, Mutek offers an unmatched platform.

Houghton Festival (UK) is a DJ’s festival—no big-name EDM drops, just carefully curated selectors spinning all night long. Its reputation for extended sets and deep-dive track selections makes it a proving ground for DJs with real technical skills.

How to Get Booked at These Festivals

Breaking into the festival circuit takes more than just submitting a mix and hoping for the best. Promoters aren’t just looking for talent—they’re looking for DJs with a buzz, a following, and a sense of identity.

Networking is crucial. Attending industry events like ADE, IMS Ibiza, or Miami Music Week can open doors, allowing DJs to connect directly with promoters and booking agents. Many festivals also host open calls for submissions, especially for smaller stages and side events. Keeping an eye on their websites and social media channels can reveal key opportunities.

Building an online presence is just as important. Festival bookers check social media stats, SoundCloud plays, and engagement levels before taking risks on new talent. Regularly posting mixes, engaging with followers, and collaborating with other DJs can increase visibility. A well-crafted press kit—including high-quality photos, a bio, and standout sets—makes a difference when reaching out to festival organizers.

Playing the Long Game

For most DJs, landing a festival slot doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of playing local gigs, building a reputation, and strategically positioning yourself in the right scenes. Many breakthrough festival acts start by performing at afterparties, side stages, or unofficial showcases before making their way onto the main lineup.

The key is consistency. Festivals are looking for DJs who aren’t just talented but who bring something fresh to the table. Whether it’s through a unique sound, a killer live setup, or just an ability to read a crowd like no one else, standing out is essential.

For those willing to put in the work, festivals remain one of the best ways to break into the industry, build an audience, and turn DJing into a career. The opportunities are there—the challenge is making yourself impossible to ignore.